Past Medications
- Solu-medrol infusions for 3 days----Given 7 weeks post, in outpatient setting--made symptoms worse
- Zantac 150 mg- 2 x day (for 3 weeks)--prescribed immediately to help stop the absorption of the Levaquin by my body.
- Magnesium-- (self medicated) I initially took this to help with the excruciating acid burning pain throughout my entire body. I feel it did help. However, it was initially thought I had Myasthenia Gravis. Magnesium is contraindicated in MG, because it increases weakness. Fearing I was making my weakness worse, I stopped it.
- Biotin -- self medicated (to help with hair loss)
- Hydrocodone--prescribed--as needed for pain.
- BIOFREEZE- topical ointment for arthritic, joint, muscle pain, and also can be used for neuropathy pain. I am using the pump gel, but can also get in roll-on or wipes. Can be purchase through Amazon. Did not help me.
- Gabapentin-prescribed, 800 mg 3 x day for neuropathic pain. Recently stopped this (8/11), it helped tremendously in the beginning, but I felt it no longer was making a difference. I started weaning, and saw no change. Feel my thinking has gotten clearer since stopping it. However, it was invaluable when my nerve pain was at its worst. I did not start at this high dose. I started at 150 mg twice a day, and then as it stopped working it was gradually increased.
- Vitamin D---prescribed (levels were low prior to this)
- Multivitamin --prescribed
- Tramadol -- 50 mg as needed for pain (replacing hydrocodone)
- Oasis Tears Plus --prescribed 4/11 by ophthalmologist for severe dry eyes
- Compound Ointment --Prescribed 4/11 by podiatrist for foot pain. It has 20% Ketoprophen, 2% Cyclobenzaprine, 2% Baclofen, 5% lidocaine gel. (NSAID, 2 muscle relaxers, and then the numbing cream lidocaine). . It helps tremendously with the pain, and have not had to take any oral pain meds since starting it.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid- 300 mg twice a day for PN symptoms.
- Acetyl L- Carnitine- 500 mg twice a day for PN symptoms.
- Philips Colon Health Probiotic- once a day for digestive symptoms.
- Miralax- 1-2 times a week for digestive symptoms.
- Mitochondrial Cocktail: L-Carnitine 330 mg , 3 times a day (this is prescription strength)
Alpha Lipoic Acid 300 mg twice a day
Coenzyme Q10 600 mg a day
B2 (Riboflavin) 100 mg a day
Creatine 5 grams a day
- Moist heat seems to help most with muscle cramping/pain. Hot baths with epsom salts and moist heating pads.
- Light Active Range of Motion exercises and gentle stretching. Starting to do daily to help prevent loss of joint mobility. I have gotten really tight because of increased spasticity in muscles, especially in my lower body.
- Gluten Free Diet I tried this for about 4 months and did not see a big change. I do notice that if I eat a lot of sugary or processed foods I feel worse. I try to stick to fruit, veggies and lean protein.
- I have found if I try any kind of repetitive movement, like in cardio, and I mean very, light cardio, it increases my spasticity and pain. It also increases the "Raynaud's" effect in my feet. I have increased numbness, pain, redness of toes, and toes feel extremely cold (as if walking in snow with no shoes). Therefore, I limit this type activity.
- It is recommended that those who have Peripheral Neuropathy should not do any exercises that cause pounding to the feet, such as running, or high impact aerobics Because of constant weight bearing, decreased sensation and muscle atrophy, feet are usually the most affected and need to be protected from injury Water aerobics, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, yoga, gentle stretching, etc are recommended to avoid jarring to the bones in the feet.
- Physical Therapy ~ 4/15/11 - 7/2/11 Aquatic therapy to increase balance, strength and endurance without being hard on the joints.
- Silver-thera stockings. Click here for link. Started 5/20/11. These provide electrical stimulation at the cellular level to nerves, blood vessels, and tissue. It is supposed to increase blood flow to promote healing and to prevent further atrophy. I wear them while sleeping. They are worn for 8 hours. It provides impulses 20 min on, and 40 min off continuously while sleeping. It is a relatively new therapy, and my podiatrist prescribed them. My insurance did cover it. It is also covered by medicare. I was told it will take at least a month of use before seeing results. It is not a quick fix, but it considered a long term treatment for neuropathy.
